ABOUT THE TENNESSEE FIREFLY

Shining a Light on Education & Government in Tennessee

Named after Tennessee's official state insect, the Tennessee Firefly shines a light on the untold and under-told stories about education and government in the Volunteer State. 

Since 2004, more than 2,500 newspapers have closed – and remaining media has altered its focus and coverage to survive. Decisions and policies at the state and local level have a direct impact on the lives of every Tennessean. The Tennessee Firefly seeks to strengthen our communities through factual journalism with a local focus to increase civic engagement and awareness. 

Our reporters and contributors will keep you in the know with stories and commentary centered around the leaders and policies that impact Tennessee.

The Tennessee Firefly launched in 2022. Its operations are funded in part by Tennesseans for Student Success, a statewide network of teachers, parents, community leaders, and volunteers who are dedicated to supporting, championing, and fighting for Tennessee’s public school students and their futures.

Why We Firefly

Local and factual reporting to make stronger Tennessee communities through civic awareness, participation, and engagement.


Meet the Team

  • Sky Arnold

    Managing Editor

    Sky is a veteran television journalist with two decades of experience covering news for television and radio stations in Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, and Tennessee, where he covered government for Fox 17 News in Nashville and WBBJ in Jackson. He’s a graduate of the University of Oklahoma and a big supporter of the Sooners.

  • Brandon Paykamian

    Reporter

    Brandon Paykamian is a journalist based out of Johnson City, Tennessee. He has nearly a decade of experience working for outlets such as the Johnson City Press, where he worked as a general assignment reporter focusing on local health care and education news, and Government Technology, where he covered news relating to education technology. His news articles and columns have also been featured in Chattanooga Times-Free Press and the Associated Press, among other publications. He graduated from East Tennessee State University in 2016 with a B.S. in Mass Communication (Journalism).